article Mr. Football Candidates

At this point in the season, the Mr. Football picture is beginning to clear up some. A couple of favorites have emerged from the pack, with several others still within striking distance of the award.

The Front-runners :

A.J. Mayer - QB, Covington Catholic

Mayer is piloting one of the most buzzed about teams in the state and has passed every test so far with flying colors. Through seven games, he's 89 of 142 for 1,486 yards and 18 TDs passing, with only one interception. The 6’3”, 205 pounder has also rushed for six scores. He'll lace'em up for Miami (OH) next fall.

Rondale Moore - WR, Trinity

Where do we begin?... His team is unbeaten, nationally ranked, and a heavy favorite to win the 6A title. He's caught 72 passes for 901 yards and 7 TDs on the year, including a school record 22 catches for 304 yards and 3 scores in a comeback win against Moeller. The highly sought after recruit will be playing his college ball in Austin, at the University of Texas.

The 2nd Tier :

Tyrese Allen - RB/DL, Paintsville

The WVU commit was already a dominant force on the Tigers D-line. This year, he's added leading rusher to his resume. Tyrese has bulldozed his way for 477 yards and 6 touchdowns on 45 carries. That's 10.6 ypc for a young man that's 6’3” and 300 lbs.

Jairus Brents - You name it, he does it, Waggener

One of the most physically gifted players in the Bluegrass, Brents has played a wide variety of roles on both sides of the ball for Waggener. After playing receiver last year, he's transitioned nicely to QB, accounting for 1,177 yards of total offense and 15 TDs. Defensively, he's all over the field, from his primary position at cornerback, to the D-line, and everywhere in between. Some of his highlights this year include a couple of kick return TDs and an acrobatic, one handed interception. He holds offers from the best of the best, including Alabama, USC, and Oklahoma.

Nick Bohn - QB, Trinity

The first year signal caller has been a steady hand all season for the unbeaten and top ranked Shamrocks. He threw for 490 yards and 4 touchdowns in a come from behind win versus Moeller (OH) in Week 2. On the season, he's completed an incredible 78% of his passes for 2,180 yards and 18 TDs with only two interceptions.

Jake Chisholm - RB, Ryle

He may not be big in stature (5’9”, 185 lbs), but Jake Chisholm's importance to the Ryle football program is immeasurable. He’s followed up a stellar junior campaign by rushing for 1,240 yards and 18 touchdowns this year, with an additional 219 yards and 2 TDs receiving. He's received interest from the Naval Academy and a few FCS schools.

Matt Shearer - QB, Simon Kenton

The 6’4”, 210 lb senior has proven himself problematic for every defense he's faced this year with both his arm and legs. The stats are impressive: 98 of 159 for 1,527 yards, 22 touchdowns, only 3 interceptions, and 439 yards rushing and 9 TDs on the ground. He holds an offer from Morehead State.

Derek Wellman - FB/LB, Belfry

The numbers only tell half the story on Wellman. He's a born leader with tremendous instincts and a high football IQ, who's been a big part of the foundation for Belfry's championship run in recent years. He's rushed for 735 yards and 11 touchdowns from the Pirates all important fullback position, and is the team's leading tackler and heart and soul of the defense at inside linebacker.

The Dark Horses :

Justin Blackburn - QB/LB, Ludlow

Arguably, no one player in the state is more important to his team's success than Blackburn is to Ludlow’s. Just feast your eyes on the numbers: 857 yards and 12 touchdowns passing, 1,488 yards and 25 touchdowns rushing, 45 tackles and 2 interceptions (including a pick-six) on defense. He's the ultimate throwback all-around football player.

Alex Dowds - RB, Campbell County

Dowds has raced through every defense he's faced this year, save for Ryle , with little resistance. He's topped 200 yards three times so far, including 208 against Dixie Heights, and 207 against Newport Central Catholic. His most recent performance was a staggering 384 yards and 4 touchdowns against Conner. For the year, he's amassed 1,275 yards rushing and 18 scores.

J.R. Lucas - QB, Collins

Like Chisholm, Lucas is small (5’8”, 160 lbs), but invaluable. The dual threat quarterback is 88 of 170 for 1,390 yards and 15 TDs through the air. He also leads the team in rushing with 726 yards and 8 TDs on the ground.

Logan Nieves - QB, Lexington Christian Academy

LCA's offense is the smoothest running unit in the state, averaging an eye popping 54 points and 509 yards of offense per game. The main cog in that system is Nieves. The epitome of a dual threat quarterback, he's completed 68% of his passes for 1,344 yards and 17 touchdowns, while burning defenses with his legs to the tune of 780 yards and 12 touchdowns rushing.

Really hope AJ gets wins it, but barring something crazy, don't see how Moore doesn't.

Lot's of really good football players on this list. Probably a two horse race between Mayer and Moore because they are playing on teams that will either win or contend for championships this year.

I know there's lots of good players on this list. But Blackburn and Brents have to be two of the tops. Iron-men playing both ways and doing it all!

Surprised there is no players from Western Kentucky on this list.

Have to go with Brents or Moore. Brents because he does it all for a not very overall talented team. Seen him play QB, receiver, runner, DB, punt return, kick return. And he does all of these well.

Moore is just special. Trinity is a top team in the country with his talents. I believe either one of these players should be Mr Football.

Would be hard to find a kid who does more for their team on both sides of the ball in 2017 than Tyrese Allen. Definitely a player worth watching if you havent, stats do not show the impact he has on a game from the DL!

Mr. Football should be given to every class. With current set up someone from 5A or 6A should win every year due to level of competition they are playing. How can we compare any player from 1A to 4A against that level of competition? Playing weak competition inflates numbers for a great player when they might just be solid against tougher teams with better players.

I'd imagine 10 guys from trinity could have monster numbers in 1A and garner attention for the award but will never get any playing for trinity.

Thus, IMO, this award is flawed in KY.

I hope everyone takes a good look at Justin Blackburn! #'s are absolutely ridiculous, but more importantly a great kid who does things the right way. He wasn't dealt the best hand, but has certainly made the most of it. I'm pulling for him and Ludlow this year!

Does Mr. Football take academics, community service or anything else in consideration or is it just football and offers?